the_o salvation_n and_o future_a happiness_n of_o a_o christian_a we_o may_v take_v a_o brief_a abstract_n or_o sum_n of_o our_o duty_n which_o be_v this_o to_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o have_v a_o firm_a and_o radicate_v faith_n in_o his_o goodness_n declare_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n jesus_n christ_n a_o universal_a abstinence_n from_o all_o wrong_n and_o injustice_n a_o hearty_a love_n and_o goodwill_n to_o all_o man_n whatever_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a to_o be_v of_o a_o compassionate_a and_o forgive_a spirit_n and_o if_o we_o have_v receive_v a_o injury_n not_o to_o recompense_v it_o again_o in_o any_o kind_n to_o abstract_n and_o withdraw_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n from_o earthly_a good_n and_o make_v treasure_n for_o ourselves_o in_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v no_o more_o solicitous_a for_o worldly_a concernment_n than_o the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n or_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n but_o that_o have_v food_n and_o raiment_n therewith_o to_o be_v content_a to_o keep_v ourselves_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a not_o only_o from_o outward_a and_o grosser_n but_o inward_a and_o more_o refine_a pollution_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v good_a and_o distribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o brethren_n to_o live_v peaceable_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a with_o all_o man_n in_o a_o word_n whatever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatever_o thing_n be_v honest_a just_a lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n to_o think_v on_o such_o thing_n what_o can_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a than_o this_o nor_o be_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n any_o derogation_n from_o it_o though_o that_o impious_a epicurean_a celsus_n deride_v it_o upon_o that_o account_n extol_v the_o write_n of_o plato_n above_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o origen_n acute_o enough_o reply_n celsum_fw-la the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o make_v man_n good_a and_o virtuous_a it_o be_v necessary_a the_o precept_n tend_v to_o that_o end_n shall_v be_v deliver_v plain_o and_o perspicuous_o suitable_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o illiterate_a vulgar_a who_o be_v better_a allure_v and_o win_v by_o a_o common_a and_o usual_a form_n of_o speech_n than_o by_o the_o artificial_a decking_n and_o gay_a scheme_n of_o rhetoric_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v much_o more_o advance_v that_o which_o be_v their_o chief_a aim_n the_o life_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n by_o that_o as_o celsus_n call_v it_o rude_a and_o rustical_a manner_n of_o speak_v than_o all_o the_o elegant_a write_n of_o plato_n which_o if_o they_o ever_o be_v advantageous_a for_o the_o rectify_v and_o amend_v the_o life_n of_o man_n it_o be_v only_o to_o such_o who_o intellectual_a faculty_n be_v raise_v and_o elevate_v above_o the_o plebeian_n strain_n therefore_o do_v the_o holy_a jesus_n on_o purpose_n make_v choice_n of_o ignorant_a and_o illiterate_a person_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o speak_v be_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v 1.27_o but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v and_o that_o by_o the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n god_n may_v confound_v the_o wise_a and_o by_o the_o weak_a destroy_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v mighty_a object_n but_o you_o will_v say_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v that_o intricacy_n and_o perplexity_n which_o be_v find_v in_o many_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o wherefore_o be_v many_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o its_o doctrine_n involve_v in_o such_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n requisite_a that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v obscure_a to_o conciliate_v reverence_n and_o to_o beget_v a_o great_a esteem_n of_o its_o worth_n and_o dignity_n for_o the_o gospel_n be_v often_o call_v a_o mystery_n which_o suppose_v something_o venerable_a and_o secret_a and_o hide_a from_o the_o eye_n of_o vulgar_a person_n and_o god_n as_o in_o nature_n he_o have_v hide_v many_o precious_a thing_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o can_v be_v obtain_v without_o great_a labour_n and_o diligence_n in_o like_a manner_n have_v he_o veil_v many_o inestimable_a treasure_n in_o the_o christian_a mystery_n which_o be_v only_o attainable_a by_o the_o diligent_a search_n and_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o pious_a man_n for_o shall_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v display_v at_o once_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o this_o sacred_a and_o recondite_v method_n of_o recover_a soul_n it_o will_v appear_v contemptible_a and_o worthless_a as_o be_v the_o easy_a purchase_n of_o every_o profane_a and_o impious_a person_n 2._o the_o reason_n of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o christianity_n lie_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o in_o the_o incongruity_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o understanding_n with_o so_o high_a and_o raise_v a_o object_n the_o eye_n can_v behold_v the_o sun_n unless_o it_o have_v some_o resemblance_n and_o similitude_n of_o it_o within_o itself_o for_o like_a be_v know_v by_o its_o like_a and_o if_o man_n mind_n be_v not_o purify_v and_o bring_v into_o some_o cognation_n and_o likeness_n with_o the_o truth_n offer_v to_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v ever_o have_v any_o true_a and_o genuine_a apprehension_n of_o they_o there_o be_v a_o learning_n and_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n in_o that_o godlike_a meek_a and_o resign_v spirit_n and_o till_o man_n temper_n be_v plain_v and_o smooth_v from_o the_o ruggedness_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o the_o stubborn_a asperity_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o win_v to_o the_o embrace_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o in_o that_o christ-like_a nature_n of_o humility_n and_o self-denial_n they_o may_v fill_v their_o head_n with_o sapless_a and_o lean_a notion_n windy_a and_o turgent_fw-la fancy_n but_o never_o nourish_v up_o their_o soul_n with_o solid_a and_o substantial_a knowledge_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o christianity_n arise_v out_o of_o a_o mind_n devoid_a of_o passion_n and_o in_o which_o the_o life_n of_o god_n have_v take_v deep_a root_n and_o flourish_n and_o spread_v itself_o throughout_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n give_v a_o tincture_n relish_n and_o savour_n of_o itself_o to_o every_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o man_n life_n and_o without_o this_o purify_a sense_n we_o feed_v upon_o nothing_o but_o the_o husk_n and_o shell_n of_o religion_n and_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o shadow_n instead_o of_o last_v and_o durable_a substance_n and_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o itself_o 1_o cor._n two_o 14._o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v there_o be_v require_v a_o spiritual_a sense_n a_o life_n of_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o benignity_n and_o righteousness_n to_o the_o true_a discrimination_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n and_o further_a to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o divine_a mystery_n there_o be_v necessary_o require_v the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o that_o almighty_a and_o omnipresent_v spirit_n who_o by_o his_o foster_a incubation_n bring_v into_o be_v the_o goodly_a frame_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o that_o this_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n may_v begin_v the_o efformation_n of_o the_o new_a and_o heavenly_a nature_n a_o considerable_a part_n of_o which_o be_v divine_a and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n there_o must_v be_v some_o previous_a preparation_n and_o man_n must_v be_v moral_o good_a and_o virtuous_a or_o else_o they_o will_v be_v perfect_o incapable_a of_o the_o illapse_n of_o his_o celestial_a influence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o to_o brutish_a and_o immoral_a person_n the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v hide_v and_o obscure_a 3._o that_o there_o may_v be_v something_o still_o reserve_v for_o the_o gratification_n of_o all_o degree_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v both_o weak_a and_o strong_a christian_n some_o that_o be_v babe_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n other_o that_o be_v of_o full_a age_n and_o have_v a_o discriminate_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n for_o the_o one_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o rudimental_a way_n of_o instruction_n whereby_o man_n be_v lead_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n through_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n intimate_v heb._n vi_fw-la where_o the_o first_o thing_n require_v
be_v govern_v only_o by_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o corrupt_a and_o lawless_a will_n and_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v fill_v with_o violence_n and_o oppression_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n become_v so_o brutish_a in_o their_o imagination_n that_o they_o make_v themselves_o god_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n wood_n and_o stone_n and_o serve_v the_o creature_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d beside_o the_o creator_n who_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o ever_o 4._o wherefore_o when_o this_o way_n prove_v unserviceable_a and_o ineffectual_a for_o man_n restauration_n god_n enter_v upon_o a_o new_a dispensation_n and_o reveal_v himself_o more_o plain_o to_o the_o jew_n choose_v jacob_n for_o his_o portion_n and_o israel_n for_o the_o lot_n of_o his_o inheritance_n and_o communicate_v to_o they_o law_n and_o statute_n and_o judgement_n fence_v and_o hedge_v in_o the_o impure_a eruption_n of_o their_o nature_n by_o judicial_a decree_n and_o besiege_v vice_n and_o iniquity_n by_o the_o actual_a promulgation_n of_o a_o law_n but_o this_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n lie_v altogether_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o external_a duty_n in_o type_n and_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v not_o able_a to_o perfect_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o bring_v he_o to_o that_o happy_a state_n he_o be_v possess_v of_o before_o his_o fall_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n fourteen_o 17._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o which_o be_v far_o more_o valuable_a in_o true_a righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o man_n be_v a_o man_n by_o his_o soul_n and_o not_o by_o his_o body_n it_o be_v plain_a both_o that_o the_o religion_n who_o grand_a purpose_n and_o intent_n be_v to_o instruct_v and_o perfect_v the_o mind_n be_v much_o superior_a to_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o body_n and_o also_o that_o there_o be_v some_o degree_n of_o perfection_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o which_o be_v not_o attainable_a by_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o way_n sound_v out_o to_o recover_v all_o mankind_n from_o that_o sad_a and_o calamitous_a condition_n of_o vice_n and_o sin_n they_o now_o lie_v under_o for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n consist_v of_o a_o perceptive_a and_o plastic_a part_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o st._n paul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o inner_a and_o outward_a man_n and_o the_o judaical_a oeconomy_n be_v whole_o fit_v for_o the_o gratification_n of_o the_o plastical_a or_o animal_n life_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v refine_v and_o purify_v that_o more_o spiritual_a part_n of_o man_n or_o in_o the_o scripture-phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v he_o perfect_a that_o do_v the_o service_n 5._o wherefore_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n come_v and_o man_n mind_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n prepare_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o so_o heavenly_a a_o doctrine_n almighty_a god_n resolve_v to_o put_v in_o execution_n his_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a determination_n which_o be_v to_o send_v down_o his_o belove_a son_n into_o the_o world_n who_o shall_v by_o a_o plain_a and_o familiar_a way_n teach_v and_o instruct_v mankind_n and_o recover_v the_o lapse_v world_n to_o a_o state_n of_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n now_o then_o god_n walk_v no_o more_o at_o a_o distance_n nor_o hide_v himself_o any_o long_o under_o the_o obscurity_n of_o type_n and_o shadow_n but_o have_v dispel_v the_o cloud_n and_o adumbration_n of_o the_o legal_a service_n by_o the_o full_a and_o bright_a approach_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n who_o have_v pitch_v his_o tabernacle_n among_o we_o and_o teach_v we_o his_o will_n by_o a_o way_n of_o condescend_v wisdom_n suit_v and_o proportion_v himself_o to_o the_o most_o shallow_a capacity_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n i_o 21._o call_v the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v wherein_o god_n have_v stoop_v down_o to_o we_o clothe_v himself_o in_o the_o frailty_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o adapt_a the_n result_v of_o his_o will_n to_o our_o narrow_a and_o weak_a apprehension_n and_o this_o be_v that_o oeconomy_n which_o in_o dan._n ix_o 24._o be_v call_v a_o everlasting_a righteousness_n which_o the_o messiah_n shall_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n for_o when_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o various_a scheme_n and_o exterior_a dispensation_n of_o religion_n wax_v old_a pass_v away_o and_o vanish_v this_o shall_v remain_v for_o ever_o and_o never_o be_v abolish_v as_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o essential_a prescription_n of_o holiness_n those_o eternal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o goodness_n that_o be_v found_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o be_v of_o god_n 6._o the_o gospel_n then_o be_v of_o so_o great_a consequence_n and_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o mankind_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o every_o man_n to_o know_v and_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o belief_n upon_o what_o ground_n he_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o his_o faith_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o solid_a and_o sure_a foundation_n he_o may_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o profession_n but_o according_a to_o the_o holy_a apostle_n advice_n ready_a at_o all_o time_n and_o upon_o every_o occasion_n to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v he_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o he_o 1_o pet._n three_o 15._o now_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n appear_v i._n that_o it_o be_v intelligible_a ii_o that_o it_o be_v true_a iii_o that_o it_o contain_v nothing_o light_a and_o trivial_a but_o grave_n and_o sober_a truth_n deliver_v in_o that_o decorous_a and_o become_a majesty_n as_o well_o suit_v with_o that_o bless_a spirit_n which_o inspire_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n iv._o that_o it_o be_v every_o way_n fit_v and_o accommodate_v for_o a_o effectual_a recovery_n of_o lapse_v and_o degenerate_v mankind_n chap._n i._n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v intelligible_a can_v but_o appear_v to_o every_o one_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o for_o though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n wrap_v in_o cloud_n and_o difficulty_n yet_o they_o be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o so_o near_o relate_v to_o practice_n but_o be_v of_o a_o more_o speculative_a consideration_n but_o as_o for_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o holiness_n and_o a_o good_a and_o pious_a life_n it_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o such_o easy_a and_o plain_a term_n that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o reasonable_a excuse_n for_o himself_o if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v and_o practice_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n foresee_v that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n will_v not_o be_v man_n of_o deep_a reason_n but_o rather_o of_o great_a love_n and_o faith_n and_o such_o as_o will_v cordial_o adhere_v to_o their_o saviour_n against_o all_o opposition_n though_o they_o can_v not_o syllogistical_o maintain_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o every_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v god_n i_o say_v foresee_v this_o have_v suit_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n and_o there_o need_v no_o great_a skill_n to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a but_o rather_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o be_v so_o full_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v such_o that_o he_o consider_v the_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o make_v allowance_n for_o those_o who_o his_o providence_n have_v so_o place_v as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o attain_v to_o any_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o accept_v of_o the_o constant_a and_o sincere_a inclination_n and_o bend_v of_o their_o will_n in_o practise_v what_o they_o know_v and_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o what_o they_o have_v no_o opportunity_n of_o gain_v and_o although_o he_o that_o know_v much_o and_o apprehend_v the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v this_o knowledge_n instrumental_a to_o the_o purify_n and_o purge_v his_o soul_n from_o vice_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o he_o who_o nature_n have_v make_v of_o a_o slow_a apprehension_n yet_o this_o man_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a contemptible_a but_o dear_a and_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o never_o fail_v to_o reward_v honest_a simplicity_n and_o innocency_n and_o to_o recompense_v every_o degree_n of_o hearty_a love_n with_o a_o suitable_a proportion_n of_o glory_n but_o that_o we_o may_v see_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o matter_n that_o concern_v
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gospel_n be_v compile_v by_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v in_o the_o forefront_n and_o for_o this_o we_o have_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o doubt_v than_o we_o have_v to_o question_v whether_o the_o pentateuch_n or_o five_o first_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v by_o moses_n or_o whether_o those_o write_n which_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o cicero_n and_o virgil_n as_o their_o author_n be_v ever_o compose_v by_o they_o suppose_v now_o we_o will_v know_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o some_o very_a ancient_a write_n to_o prove_v this_o one_o testimony_n must_v be_v take_v from_o those_o who_o be_v contemporary_a with_o the_o author_n or_o at_o least_o very_a little_a distant_a from_o he_o and_o from_o the_o perpetual_a consent_n of_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o in_o this_o the_o sacred_a volume_n have_v infinite_o the_o advantage_n above_o any_o other_o write_v whatever_n tertullian_n affirm_v that_o the_o archetypal_a copy_n write_v with_o the_o apostle_n own_o hand_n 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pagan_n whether_o those_o write_n be_v they_o who_o name_v they_o bear_v julian_n in_o cyril_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o epistle_n of_o peter_n and_o paul_n the_o gospel_n of_o matthew_n mark_n and_o luke_n be_v the_o very_a write_n of_o those_o person_n with_o who_o name_n they_o be_v adorn_v add_v to_o this_o further_a that_o amid_o the_o early_a difference_n and_o dissension_n among_o christian_n we_o never_o find_v any_o sober_a and_o grave_a person_n question_v this_o truth_n indeed_o we_o read_v of_o the_o ebionite_n a_o sort_n of_o judaize_v christian_n who_o reject_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n but_o yet_o they_o deny_v not_o that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o refuse_v they_o because_o they_o think_v st._n paul_n a_o undervaluer_n of_o and_o apostate_n from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o suppose_v the_o author_n of_o any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o we_o unknown_a as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n yet_o ought_v it_o not_o to_o be_v of_o any_o less_o credit_n and_o authority_n with_o we_o for_o either_o the_o doctrine_n or_o history_n contain_v in_o it_o because_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o book_n be_v more_o to_o be_v regard_v than_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n and_o therefore_o because_o for_o example_n we_o find_v nothing_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o may_v rational_o invalidate_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o over_o and_o above_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v never_o repudiate_v by_o the_o christian_n who_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n we_o deserve_o receive_v it_o as_o canonical_a scripture_n 5._o that_o we_o have_v all_o imaginable_a reason_n to_o ground_v our_o faith_n upon_o those_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v to_o we_o and_o this_o appear_v 1._o because_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a those_o who_o write_v they_o shall_v be_v deceive_v 2._o neither_o be_v it_o probable_a they_o will_v deceive_v other_o there_o be_v no_o likelihood_n they_o shall_v be_v deceive_v because_o they_o be_v either_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o deliver_v to_o posterity_n or_o else_o write_v they_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o those_o who_o be_v spectator_n of_o they_o and_o we_o never_o find_v a_o miracle_n record_v which_o christ_n do_v alone_o without_o the_o company_n of_o two_o or_o three_o of_o his_o disciple_n when_o he_o be_v transfigure_v he_o take_v with_o he_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n when_o he_o raise_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n daughter_n he_o carry_v the_o same_o three_o with_o he_o matthew_n be_v one_o of_o they_o who_o perpetual_o accompany_v our_o bless_a lord_n and_o see_v the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o write_v mark_v it_o be_v think_v be_v a_o associate_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o write_v his_o gospel_n from_o his_o mouth_n and_o luke_n beside_o that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o those_o who_o travel_v about_o with_o st._n paul_n who_o have_v his_o commission_n and_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n he_o also_o in_o his_o dedicatory_a preface_n to_o his_o gospel_n profess_v himself_o to_o have_v have_v perfect_a understanding_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o the_o very_a first_o as_o they_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o from_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o st._n john_n be_v the_o belove_a disciple_n and_o always_o follow_v the_o lord_n christ_n wherever_o he_o go_v and_o set_v aside_o the_o metaphysical_a sermon_n record_v in_o his_o gospel_n he_o relate_v very_o few_o miracle_n or_o new_a thing_n but_o what_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o one_o of_o the_o other_o three_o as_o for_o that_o notable_a miracle_n of_o raise_v lazarus_n from_o the_o dead_a after_o four_o day_n burial_n omit_v by_o all_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o account_n st._n john_n live_v long_o after_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n even_o to_o the_o
life_n can_v make_v no_o impression_n where_o will_v be_v the_o object_n of_o thy_o love_n and_o joy_n when_o the_o heaven_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v the_o element_n melt_v with_o fervent_a heat_n and_o the_o earth_n with_o all_o the_o work_v therein_o be_v burn_v up_o what_o shall_v support_v and_o bear_v up_o thy_o die_a hope_n when_o all_o sensible_a thing_n shall_v perish_v in_o this_o dreadful_a conflagration_n think_v thou_o that_o the_o holes_n of_o the_o rock_n or_o the_o secret_a cavern_n of_o the_o mountain_n can_v hide_v thou_o from_o his_o eye_n which_o pierce_v through_o obscurity_n who_o be_v every_o where_o present_a by_o his_o mighty_a power_n and_o to_o who_o the_o night_n be_v as_o bright_a as_o noonday_n or_o will_v that_o just_a judge_n who_o sit_v upon_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o all_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n be_v bribe_v with_o thy_o gold_n and_o silver_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v he_o and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o surely_n nothing_o but_o righteousness_n will_v then_o deliver_v from_o death_n nothing_o but_o innocence_n and_o purity_n white_a as_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n can_v save_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n from_o eternal_a destruction_n wickedness_n and_o sin_n like_o a_o talon_n of_o lead_n shall_v sink_v down_o those_o soul_n that_o have_v delight_v in_o it_o into_o that_o sulphureous_a lake_n where_o a_o most_o acute_a and_o search_a pain_n shall_v stick_v close_o to_o they_o and_o unspeakable_a torment_n weary_a their_o restless_a ghost_n for_o ever_o a_o sad_a and_o pitiable_a calamity_n but_o as_o just_a as_o great_a for_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o all_o thing_n do_v not_o make_v law_n to_o ensnare_v the_o creation_n nor_o do_v he_o direct_o and_o primary_o intend_v punishment_n but_o have_v entail_v that_o upon_o disobedience_n that_o man_n may_v consider_v and_o beware_v and_o in_o time_n provide_v for_o their_o reception_n into_o all_o that_o happiness_n god_n make_v they_o for_o and_o which_o he_o by_o threaten_a punishment_n so_o affectionate_o desire_v they_o shall_v enjoy_v 2._o that_o there_o may_v be_v nothing_o want_v to_o enforce_v the_o forego_n consideration_n the_o scripture_n manifest_o resolve_v our_o good_a or_o ill_o be_v in_o the_o other_o life_n to_o depend_v upon_o our_o deportment_n in_o this_o it_o be_v in_o this_o life_n that_o we_o lay_v the_o train_n of_o our_o future_a happiness_n or_o misery_n and_o every_o moral_a action_n have_v a_o influence_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a upon_o eternity_n and_o here_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v a_o vital_a union_n and_o conjunction_n either_o with_o hell_n or_o heaven_n to_o be_v bear_v into_o this_o world_n be_v not_o only_o a_o punishment_n but_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n to_o we_o mortal_n wherein_o he_o that_o acquit_v himself_o generous_o and_o noble_o fight_v manful_o against_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o return_n with_o the_o spoil_n and_o trophy_n of_o his_o conquer_a enemy_n to_o his_o 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disseize_v he_o of_o his_o terrestrial_a tenement_n but_o that_o universal_a nemesis_n which_o pervade_v the_o whole_a world_n will_v fatal_o convey_v he_o to_o such_o a_o place_n and_o society_n as_o he_o have_v prepare_v and_o accommodate_v himself_o for_o here_o on_o earth_n and_o he_o that_o obstinate_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o set_v at_o nought_o all_o his_o reproof_n will_v find_v that_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n can_v reach_v he_o and_o he_o will_v have_v little_a or_o no_o possibility_n leave_v to_o better_v himself_o in_o the_o other_o world_n 3._o for_o the_o more_o ingenuous_a sort_n who_o be_v rather_o attract_v and_o win_v by_o the_o expression_n of_o kindness_n and_o love_n than_o the_o fear_n of_o external_a punishment_n what_o can_v more_o prevail_v with_o they_o than_o to_o behold_v the_o everblessed_n son_n of_o god_n who_o live_v in_o the_o boundless_a tract_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n forsake_v those_o celestial_a mansion_n and_o come_v down_o and_o take_v a_o body_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o here_o lead_v a_o obscure_a and_o evanid_a life_n persecute_v and_o afflict_a never_o see_v good_a day_n but_o always_o carry_v a_o heart_n full_a of_o pensiveness_n and_o sorrow_n and_o at_o last_o die_v a_o painful_a and_o ignominious_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o all_o this_o to_o recover_v and_o free_v the_o race_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o tyranny_n and_o slavery_n of_o sin_n what_o can_v this_o but_o beget_v a_o suitable_a return_n of_o love_n in_o every_o ingenuous_a soul_n what_o kind_a heart_n be_v there_o that_o this_o spectacle_n will_v not_o fill_v with_o tear_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o with_o the_o most_o endear_n expression_n devote_v itself_o to_o a_o faithful_a obedience_n of_o so_o compassionate_a a_o saviour_n 4._o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v most_o suitable_a mean_n for_o the_o reinstate_v man_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o god_n own_o life_n that_o possible_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o the_o world_n for_o he_o that_o consider_v how_o deep_o vice_n and_o iniquity_n be_v radicate_v in_o our_o very_a nature_n and_o what_o great_a diligence_n and_o care_n be_v require_v to_o extirpate_v even_o a_o single_a habit_n which_o of_o a_o long_a time_n have_v get_v a_o entire_a and_o full_a possession_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o withal_o reflect_v on_o the_o crazy_a and_o sickly_a state_n of_o our_o most_o generous_a and_o manly_a faculty_n how_o bedwarf_v and_o unable_a they_o be_v to_o resist_v through_o a_o continue_a imbibition_n of_o a_o sweet_a poison_n from_o sense_n can_v but_o conclude_v the_o evangelical_n oeconomy_n will_v be_v very_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a be_v it_o not_o instruct_v and_o furnish_v with_o argument_n sufficient_a to_o countermand_v and_o outbalance_v the_o importunate_a solicitation_n of_o the_o degenerate_a principle_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o sin_n and_o indeed_o be_v not_o a_o crown_n of_o glory_n the_o great_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o our_o holy_a faith_n be_v not_o virtue_n countenance_v with_o a_o appendent_a felicity_n the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n will_v now_o appear_v as_o squalid_a and_o deform_a as_o in_o its_o first_o and_o great_a brutishness_n and_o barbarity_n for_o who_o will_v seek_v the_o renovation_n of_o decay_a righteousness_n or_o who_o will_v entertain_v afflict_v and_o oppress_a holiness_n if_o its_o reward_n do_v not_o full_o answer_v and_o compensate_a whatever_o trouble_v difficulty_n and_o molestation_n do_v attend_v it_o who_o will_v buy_v religion_n with_o the_o expense_n of_o all_o his_o temporal_a interest_n nay_o of_o his_o life_n itself_o if_o he_o be_v not_o assure_v the_o happiness_n lay_v up_o for_o holy_a and_o incorrupt_a soul_n do_v infinite_o transcend_v and_o exceed_v the_o choice_a pleasure_n and_o gratification_n that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v withal_o in_o this_o region_n of_o mutability_n and_o that_o such_o a_o course_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n shall_v be_v take_v be_v not_o only_o a_o merciful_a provision_n of_o the_o good_a and_o wise_a creator_n of_o all_o thing_n towards_o we_o son_n of_o sense_n but_o give_v we_o a_o full_a evidence_n and_o assurance_n that_o his_o intention_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o world_n be_v real_a and_o sincere_a and_o render_v unsuspected_a the_o grand_a dispensation_n of_o christianity_n for_o have_v the_o gospel_n propound_v only_o intellectual_a notion_n and_o solicit_v our_o choice_n by_o thing_n most_o remote_a from_o sense_n while_o we_o be_v so_o fatal_o entangle_v and_o oppress_v with_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o dull_a mortality_n such_o a_o design_n will_v rather_o confound_v and_o amaze_v the_o faculty_n and_o capacity_n of_o man_n than_o prove_v any_o whit_n serviceable_a for_o the_o regain_n their_o ancient_a liberty_n and_o command_n like_o a_o potent_a and_o vigorous_a light_n set_v before_o weak_a and_o distemper_a eye_n which_o rather_o blind_v than_o afford_v